Arsenal’s Walcott not letting media criticism deter him

In-form Arsenal winger Theo Walcott says he is not worried what media pundits are saying about him.

In-form Arsenal winger Theo Walcott says he is not worried what media pundits are saying about him.

Match of the Day commentator Alan Hansen accused Walcott of being brainless after he netted a hat-trick against Blackpool last weekend but the 21-year old said he is not going to let the negatives distract him from performing on the pitch.

“Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. The people I listen to are the boss (Arsene Wenger), Mr Capello, the players and my family. They are the most important people in my career,” Walcott said.

"As long as I can continue to listen to them, hopefully it will be fine and I can do the talking on the pitch.

"I always watch Match of the Day. I love it. I was sitting with Mel that night, watched the goals go in, and then (after Hansen's comments) went off and made myself a cup of tea!

"In my career, so many people have a go at me — constructive players having a go at me — but if they do something wrong I tell them as well. It goes both ways.”